Assessments & Medicals discussion

[Syndicate0510]

No problem, they might not be exactly the same but they’re normally very similar.

Good luck!

I had my DMI and passed it. Got my start date for March. Thank you for your advice!

 

[throwaway1989]

Hello Everyone

I sat my OPC tests for Chiltern the other day and rather frustratingly failed the WAVF (grey box test). It took me by surprise to be honest as I could have sworn I did well at this. Out of the three computer tests at the time I thought this one was the easiest. I know that my clumsy hand accidentally pressed the button on one occasion when repositioning, but I didn't think one accidental activation would be enough for a fail. I am certain that I got all of the occasions that the box turned black so maybe either I wasn't quick enough to press the button or fell asleep without realising! Maybe someone could shed some light to help me for if I get another go?

Whilst on the subject of failing, will I have to reapply for a TOC in the future to get another go or would Chiltern put me through again in 6 months time? I am guessing another application?

To help others my experience of the day was as follows:

Part one

Started off with Bourdon dots test. I found this pretty easy to be honest. I had practised 1 set of 5 sheets each day over the past week or two so felt pretty relaxed. Compared to any computer version of the test or the ones that I printed at home the OPC sheets seemed a bit clearer and easier to identify the 4 dots. I had previously heard about this on this forum so I can concur that this is the case. I think on average I completed around 11 lines on each test.

I think the next part was a memory test whereby you are given an A4 bit of paper with a passage of writing on. I won't go into exact detail, but mine was about a mechanical system on a train. The invigilators play an audio reading of this A4 bit of paper and then give you either 5 or 7 mins (cannot remember) to read and make notes if you wish. The timer starts after the audio reading so you get another couple of minutes whilst this happens. Personally, I found the audio annoying and distracting and would rather have had more time to read, but I guess everyone learns differently. The passage is pretty lengthy and in a lot of detail. Pick out the bits you think may turn into questions e.g. figures, names of components, locations and procedures. I remember thinking bloody hell there is a lot of detail in this, how on earth am I supposed to remember? After the time is up the invigilator takes away the A4 passage and any notes you have made. They make you wait a few minutes before allowing you 7 minutes to answer 18 questions. I had plenty of time left over which I used to go over the questions again. Although I was pretty nervous due to the level of detail I didn't find the questions very challenging and think I got most of them correct.

The next test was the telephone directory test. Compared to the practice materials I had on this I found this pretty straightforward. You have an A3 page of telephone numbers (mine was for plumbers) You need to circle each plumber which has 2 of the same symbols next to it. E.g. 2 circles, 2 squares etc. If the symbols are different ignore and move on. Compared to the How to Become (H2B) practice materials where you have to look up a spanner, cocktail glass etc and then find the correct area code, the OPC is much easier as the whole page is the trade you are looking for so you just need to concentrate on the symbols next to each one.

The next test was the counting tones test with a mixture of high and low tones. The theory is that you are in a lift with a broken panel and each low tone represents a floor change. Ignore the high tones and only count the low tones. The first tone will always be a low tone. Again this test was pretty simple to be honest, trust your instinct as you can start doubting yourself. You hear 5 sets of tones and the longest is around 20 seconds. Some are pretty short so really not difficult.

You then combine the above two tests, although it is much easier than it sounds. They remove the high tones so all you need to do is work through the directory marking the trades with double symbols whilst counting a tone. Again when practicing with H2B I had to do all this whilst filtering out the high tones so it was much more challenging so I was pleasantly surprised.

The final test of part 1 is the cables and dials test. Personally, I found this the most difficult from part one. The invigilator on the day read out the instructions which were pretty lengthy to be honest and threw me a little. The practice materials I had used were beneficial, but a bit easier than the actual test. The OPC also include numbers on the scale and a lot of the sectors will show the same colour and you have to prioritise the lowest number first. Once you get your head around it, it isn't that difficult, but I think I felt the pressure a bit as it was different to what I expected it to be. Whilst completing every now and then I had a mind fart and had to reset myself. I only completed 31 out of 50 in the 7mins you get but passed with no issues.

Part Two

After a break, you head back into the room and you have a special keyboard and laptop set up at your desk. The first test is the WAVF (Vigilance test - Grey Box test) which ended up being my downfall. Over a period of 30mins you have to look at the screen and click a green button every time the box changes to black. The grey box repeatedly flashes on the screen and every now and then will change to black. I have to say again compared to the H2B practice test the normal grey box is a darker shade of grey so it is easy throughout the test to think it is black certainly as fatigue kicks in. Trust your instincts though as it is very clear when it goes black, but you do have long periods where it remains grey. I won't go on too much about this as I failed it as specified above so wouldn't want to give out any bad advice.

The next part was the perception test. A traffic scene flicks on your screen for 1 second (crazily short time) you then need to select what it showed e.g. pedestrians, motor vehicles, peddle bikes, traffic lights etc I have to say this felt pretty hard. After you have done a few the images start blending into one and you start doubting what you saw. I remember thinking a pedestrian crossing was seen so that must mean a road sign etc.

The final part of part two is the 2 hand coordination test. I have to say I found this the most horrible experience of the day. I know a couple of people that have failed due to being too slow and so I felt the pressure to do it as quickly as possible. The controls are hypersensitive and despite playing some PS4 games in my time, felt really unnatural. The left stick controls left and right whereas the right controls up and down. You need to move a red ball from one end of a circuit to another. The circuits are pretty similar to the practice materials they send out where you need to do it with a pen in each hand. If I am honest I was convinced I had failed this part of the test. I tried to go way too quickly and constantly touched the line causing it to beep. I think you have about 10 circuits to complete and I definitely got better as I went along, but on every circuit, I had multiple beeps and one I went massively out of the circuit! I also finished about 1-2 minutes before the other 2 in the room.

After the series of computer tests, you have to wait outside whilst they look at the results. As above I was convinced I had failed the coordination test so it was no surprise when they called me in for feedback. To my amazement, I passed the coordination test and perception and failed the WAVF which I was convinced I had done well on.

So to conclude out of the 4 people that started the day, only 2 I believe went through to the MMI. One of the candidates didn't sit part one though due to previously passing this.

Anyway sorry for the long essay, but I hope some of you will find it useful. I found this forum exceptionally helpful with the process and I am just really frustrated that it seems to have come to an end for me for now anyway.

All the best

Rog

Sorry to hear that you failed but really appreciate you taking the time to write about how the day was. I've been toying with the idea of How2Become or TraineeTrainDriverInfo to practice while I wait for a vacancy to come up close enough to home. I appreciate you failed the WAVF this time but do you think they stood you in good stead for the other tests that you did pass?

 

[RogerDoger]

Sorry to hear that you failed but really appreciate you taking the time to write about how the day was. I've been toying with the idea of How2Become or TraineeTrainDriverInfo to practice while I wait for a vacancy to come up close enough to home. I appreciate you failed the WAVF this time but do you think they stood you in good stead for the other tests that you did pass?

Not a problem

Yeah I although really annoyed on the day, upon reflection next time I should only have to take the WAVF and MMI so hopefully won't be too much of a problem. From reading on here Part one seems to catch most out, I guess hence they do that first.

 

[Samzino]

Not a problem

Yeah I although really annoyed on the day, upon reflection next time I should only have to take the WAVF and MMI so hopefully won't be too much of a problem. From reading on here Part one seems to catch most out, I guess hence they do that first.

More specifically the Group Bourdon because a lot of attendees don't listen to the instructions given and rush making many mistakes or omissions in a bid to complete it all in the allocated time.

 

[Milink]

I just had a medical

 

[ComUtoR]

What was the decision you were given ? You should have been given a Perls or at least a quick result. Normally it will be F1/F2 or U1/U2

 

[Milink]

Unfortunately I wasn’t given anything or told anything until I enquired about my results and that was the response regarding my eyes.

 

[ComUtoR]

You should (or at least normally) have been told if you Passed or Failed at the very least. For them to send you that it raises more questions than answers because they could have sent you that as both a reason for failure and a reason for a potential review (hence asking for the technical result)

Did you get the Occupational Health report ? This would detail anything else to pass or specific next step measures. The reports can take a few days to come through. I would prompt the provider for a follow-up report and Perls certificate.

 

[Milink]

Yes

 

[Andywen]

I just had a medical and everything was fine up until my prescription for eyesight which measures +7L +8R with corrected lenses (glasses) the maximum is +5

My question is are they stating this is a fail or there is room for consideration. I believe there are exemptions to be possibly considered under the old regulations if a new train driver. I WAS SENT THE BELOW RESPONSE

‘A.1.24 (2) (b)

Maximum corrective lenses: hypermetropia

+ 5 / myopia -8, (derogations may be

authorised in exceptional cases and after

having obtained the opinion of an eye

specialist, the recognised doctor then takes the final decision.

So am I correct in saying you wear glasses, and they are saying your prescription is too severe or something. I didn't realise it mattered. Something to think about I guess.

 

[J4YWG]

Hey since topic went On, I wanna ask this so I have bad sight on my eyes l had lazy eye when a child! Wore glasses didn't work after a couple tests I found out that I have rare nistagmus(it isn't noticeable) I have like in the left eye 0.7 and 1.1 right eye would u think that I have a chance for the role TOC

 

[skyhigh]

Is this for a pre-employment medical or routine/periodic medical?

 

[Stigy]

So am I correct in saying you wear glasses, and they are saying your prescription is too severe or something. I didn't realise it mattered. Something to think about I guess.

There is a technical standard of what the prescription should fall within as guidance, but as far as I’m aware, it’s at the discretion of the occ health department for the TOC/FOC. I took my prescription with me to my pre-employment medical, and they didn’t even look at it (my prescription is very strong, not 100%, but may even fall outside the guidance). I passed the corrected vision test at the time without any issues, and I corrected, one can be almost blind to be honest.

Hey since topic went On, I wanna ask this so I have bad sight on my eyes l had lazy eye when a child! Wore glasses didn't work after a couple tests I found out that I have rare nistagmus(it isn't noticeable) I have like in the left eye 0.7 and 1.1 right eye would u think that I have a chance for the role TOC

As long as you pass the sight test on the day, and you don’t have any form of colour blindness, you should be okay.

I know it’s easy for me to say, but if what you’ve shared is your prescription, it’s very mild.

 

[J4YWG]

There is a technical standard of what the prescription should fall within as guidance, but as far as I’m aware, it’s at the discretion of the occ health department for the TOC/FOC. I took my prescription with me to my pre-employment medical, and they didn’t even look at it (my prescription is very strong, not 100%, but may even fall outside the guidance). I passed the corrected vision test at the time without any issues, and I corrected, one can be almost blind to be honest.


As long as you pass the sight test on the day, and you don’t have any form of colour blindness, you should be okay.

I know it’s easy for me to say, but if what you’ve shared is your prescription, it’s very mild.

It is funny actually because it's sounds like really bad but it'snt, I just have a lighty myopia but the thing is I cant focus, you know when u close your eyes a bit to see better what's far ? Yea that doesn't work for me , and that is where my untraceable nystagmus comes from... like I said sound bad but it isn't , ofcourse if you search up nystagmus u going to be surprised as hell but mine is rare, because I can drive and everthing.. I live my life normal

 

[Milink]

Yes that’s correct.

Is this for a pre-employment medical or routine/periodic medical?

Pre-employment

So am I correct in saying you wear glasses, and they are saying your prescription is too severe or something. I didn't realise it mattered. Something to think about I guess.

Yea that’s correct, the severity falls outside what is accepted.

 

[Matt123]

An educated guess would be that the issue with high plus lenses a blind spot is created around the edge of your field of vision, in the shape of a ring.

There is an area between what can be seen through the spectacles, and what can be seen outside the spectacles, where no vision is present due to the magnification of the lenses. This can affect your peripheral vision.

In the attached diagram, the ‘blind spot’ is marked in green.

 

[Milink]

An educated guess would be that the issue with high plus lenses a blind spot is created around the edge of your field of vision, in the shape of a ring.

There is an area between what can be seen through the spectacles, and what can be seen outside the spectacles, where no vision is present due to the magnification of the lenses. This can affect your peripheral vision.

In the attached diagram, the ‘blind spot’ is marked in green.

Thank you for the information.

 

[Samzino]

Good Afternoon, I'm aware that no one really knows the scores for these tests but I couldn't help but ask if there is anyone who has passed trp2 with 16-25 questions completed? Thanks

 

[DAZ8365]

Searched and searched and read through lots of short bits on this guys but looking for more information please. I have my test next week and really nervous about this one so want to be prepared as much as I can be!

When doing this role play/test what are they looking for:
Repeating back information?
Phonetic alphabet?

Say the scenario is someone on the track etc. Are they looking for me to change all signals to red, phone emergency services etc.

Any help really appreciated on this please.

Thank you in advance

 

[Milink]

There is a technical standard of what the prescription should fall within as guidance, but as far as I’m aware, it’s at the discretion of the occ health department for the TOC/FOC. I took my prescription with me to my pre-employment medical, and they didn’t even look at it (my prescription is very strong, not 100%, but may even fall outside the guidance). I passed the corrected vision test at the time without any issues, and I corrected, one can be almost blind to be honest.


As long as you pass the sight test on the day, and you don’t have any form of colour blindness, you should be okay.

I know it’s easy for me to say, but if what you’ve shared is your prescription, it’s very mild.

There is a maximum allowed for any corrected vision. If you fail this it won’t matter that you pass all the other tests on the day. Your prescription cannot be over the below numbers due to rail regulations.
The TOC /FOC does however have the discretion to review you case and to pass you with restrictions depending on the severity of which you failed.

A.1.24 (2) (b)

Maximum corrective lenses: hypermetropia
+ 5 / myopia -8,

 

[Stigy]

There is a maximum allowed for any corrected vision. If you fail this it won’t matter that you pass all the other tests on the day. Your prescription cannot be over the below numbers due to rail regulations.
The TOC /FOC does however have the discretion to review you case and to pass you with restrictions depending on the severity of which you failed.

A.1.24 (2) (b)

Maximum corrective lenses: hypermetropia
+ 5 / myopia -8,

The reason I assumed it was at their discretion, is because TOCs often don’t worry about the prescription. Mine falls outside of those parameters but I passed the eye test on the day, and they didn’t ask to see my prescription.

 

[Piper720]

Hi all,

My next stage will be the medical. I have previously done a CAD test for a class 1 medical for commercial flying. I passed with “normal colour vision” on the certificate. However this test is very in depth and detects any deficiencies. It showed that I had a slight blue/yellow deficiency but my red/green was completely normal. The doctor said this was extremely rare but both were within threshold of ‘normal’ and the machines result was a pass. I’ve read threads on here about colour vision and the ones on not comparing medical testing between rail and aviation as they’re different. The CAD test is the most in depth colour vision test out there. I pass the Ishihara as it usually is red/green deficiency they test for on the plates. The difference between a red, yellow and green signal is crystal clear and never any confusion. Thoughts on those who’ve maybe had a similar experience on whether this will be an issue? Do I mention the CAD test or just do the Ishihara on the day and see?
Many thanks

 

[FinchMan]

Good evening ladies & gents,
I have been invited to a Train Driver Assessment for Northern (Skipton) & would like to see if they carry out the Group Bourdon paper test on its own or the SCAAT also?
I have been practicing 10 sheets daily (5 using the online testing tool stickied on this forum & 5 paper sheets) - results look somewhat okay-ish on the basis I may have 2 omissions (non incorrectly marked) across the 5 sheets but would like to get an idea of whether the SCAAT test will also be used or just the Bourdon?

I THINK, I have a decent idea of what to do on the day but am very nervous about the TRP Memory Test as my short term memory isn't brilliant when doing the practise examples included in the booklet.

Any feedback on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[RJB]

Apologies if this is somewhere in this thread already….

Just wondering if anyone knows how strict West Midlands can be with regards to BMI at a medical please?

I’ve got mine booked in for a station based role so unsure how it will have any impact on the way I perform that role but I’m definitely in the obese range even if I don’t necessarily quite look it although I’m not a small lad.

I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about, but getting so close to the finish line (had my conditional offer) I’m fretting over the small things.

 

[elle1630]

Hi everyone.

Fou d out today I passed my stage 2 assessments. So I just want to thank everyone for all the help, tips, and pointers. Couldn't have done it without all the help.

 

[AndySV1K]

Hi All,

Long time lurker and the site has been really useful. I was at the OPC in Watford last week doing Stage 1, 2 and MMI interview.

Hi if I met you there! Really friendly bunch of people including all the OPC staff who do a great job of helping the day feel more relaxed.

I won't lie it was a pretty tough day, of the 5 in my group I was the only one to make it through the day and pass Stage 1 and 2 at enhanced, I say that, but actually i don't know if i've passed the MMI so maybe I didn't too! I felt really bad saying goodbye to the ones who had to leave early. Horrible thing to go through after all the waiting and hard work that goes in to this. I was there from 08:45 and didn't leave until almost 6pm. I sat the stage 2 computer tests on my own which was a little strange after the morning with the room full.

For me I found the MMI the most challenging which makes me feel a bit nervous about the result. Other than this the image memory test was tough, but I think most others were achievable with the practice material that was sent. I did use the group bourdon software on here to practice in the days leading up to the test which was really helpful but I'd say the actual paper GB was slightly easier to do. Having practices or examples before each test massively helps, I made a couple of mistakes with these so it really spurred me on to pay extra attention for the actual tests.

I'm not sure when I'll hear back about the MMI but guessing it might not actually be before Christmas, but hopefully it will. If you're coming up to your OPC tests, all I can say to try and help is don't stress over it too much. Do your practices and read all the material you get sent as that's crucial. On the day drink plenty of water to help keep you focussed and just give it your best shot!

 

[Owen2323]

Good evening ladies & gents,
I have been invited to a Train Driver Assessment for Northern (Skipton) & would like to see if they carry out the Group Bourdon paper test on its own or the SCAAT also?
I have been practicing 10 sheets daily (5 using the online testing tool stickied on this forum & 5 paper sheets) - results look somewhat okay-ish on the basis I may have 2 omissions (non incorrectly marked) across the 5 sheets but would like to get an idea of whether the SCAAT test will also be used or just the Bourdon?

I THINK, I have a decent idea of what to do on the day but am very nervous about the TRP Memory Test as my short term memory isn't brilliant when doing the practise examples included in the booklet.

Any feedback on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

I think everywhere does the Bourdon test on paper. Accuracy is the priority with speed coming a close second. You can't be expected to get every one right and I would suggest your accuracy is probably about there. I think you'll need to be doing a minimum of about 10/11 lines for each sheet to pass to enhanced standard. Good luck

 

[Samzino]

For the cable and dials test, in case it helps anyone, I recently passed TRP 2 on assessment day. I was very confident that all 17-18 dials were correct. It's definitely about accuracy as well as speed. I'll have to find out from OPC if it was an Enhanced or National, but it was fine for C2C, who I was told have a higher mark.

Hope it helps anyone stressing or waiting for a result, wondering if it's down to that on TRP2 like I was, and good luck!

I can't help but state how important it is to go to the assessments with a calm mind. I booked a hotel the day before the assessments, took time to find the hotel where the assessments would take place, and relaxed. On the day of the assessments, the Elizabeth line was down, and I would have missed the start time or just barely made it, albeit with traveling worries on the mind, which isn't good. I even managed to have breakfast at the hotel, which again helped.

I had practiced Group Bourdon all week. In my opinion, it's worth only practicing one testing round every day. There are 5 sheets over 10 minutes, and the Group Bourdon tool is what you use to print these practice tests out.

I went from 9 lines and 3 omissions to, by the last day, 11-12 lines and 0 to 1 omissions. On the day of the test, it was much clearer, only about 16 lines down, and the 4 dots were quite obvious to see, in my opinion. I completed 11 on 2 sheets and 12 on the remaining 3, able to see that by counting the remaining rows I hadn't done every sheet. Each sheet is 2 minutes duration, and you have 5 sheets to complete to make up 10 minutes total time for the Group Bourdon. You work from the top of the sheet from left to right as you work your way down. No other movement of working should be conducted if you want the best chance of passing.

The next assessment was TRP 1. This test was my favorite and is comprehension; we had a page on the train's braking system. You're read out the info as well as given time to read and make notes on the page of info. What I aimed to do was pick out specific data, especially numerical data, and wrote that on the notes.

I felt very confident on the 18 questions, being asked about things from the Brake Bar Pressure numbers to the color of certain buttons, etc. A few questions you could have had an educated guess. I found I finished that and had quite a bit of time to read over my answers. The only number 18 I may have been a tad unsure of, as it could have been two answers in my head.

TRP2 was the assessment I was confident in, but later, after it was done, I was quite worried, as I was confident that my answers were correct but unsure if I had done enough, as many were saying they had answered above 20 questions, some even 30. It also says that you would not be marked down for incorrect answers, which compounded my doubts, but I passed.

You're given 4 dials with priority sections and numbers. You have 7 minutes to answer 43 of these questions. You're also given 3 practice questions to get to grips with it. It's easy once you understand the concept, and the invigilators are very helpful. I got 2 of the 3 practice runs correct the first time, thinking I had all 3 right, but it turned out I accidentally marked the wrong answer for question 3, which was beside the one I had correctly found. So I assume that's why I slowed down during the real test to be more thorough.

The test started, and I worked quite quickly in my head. However, I was shocked at how quickly the time went, and before I knew it, the time was up. It felt to me like 2 minutes when it was really the full 7 minutes.

I would honestly say how I could have improved, and a tip would be to try and work out the first 3 priorities, and then the 4th should be common sense instead of trying to check all 4. You could also use your notes to work out the first 3 for about 10 questions, then quickly mark the box of the correct answer for each question.

Last of the day was TEA-OCC, the test I was worried truly before assessment day. I had used practice tests and the audios on those were rapid. I used railtest, I got better each day. On that app it also made the part 3(where you do both the phone book stage and tones) quite hard as you had to differentiate between high and low tones plus on the phone book the rating, area code and if its a tailor or restaurant etc. In the real test you didn't do such extremes as on part 3, it was one single tone plus you only need to find double symbols(XX OO ■■ for example) I completed the whole phone book with the time given between each question asking about the number of tones.

Parts 1 and 2, in my opinion, already are well covered on this forum, so I won't elaborate too much on them. However, Part 2's phone book is identical to Part 3's phone book in that you're simply searching for double symbols. Disregard any other information as it serves as a distraction, such as area codes, ratings, etc. Just concentrate on the double symbols. The invigilator clarified that all phonebook numbers on the sheet belong to the same service, meaning all plumbers, all restaurants, all clinics, etc. There is only one service on the A3 sheet!! Don't bother to double check for any differences as this happened to someone on the day and they ended up finding out too late.

Part 2 and 3 with the phone books you should be working from up to down for each column moving across. No other movement should be conducted to have the best chance of passing.

Pay attention and ask questions if confused. All the assessments had practice of some sort before the real test began and this was a time to ask for help and correction before the real test. We had helpful Invigilators. Remember it's too late once you've started the real questions.

Good luck and hopefully this is legible enough for those reading!

Main Computer Tests Breakdown: Vienna Test System

 

[Beamer]

Forgive me. I started a thread about this earlier but have had no replies. I thought maybe I would be better off posting it in here.

I recently applied for the job of trainee train manager for Chiltern at Birmingham. This morning I received an email to invite me to an assessment day which apparently lasts the whole day. I haven’t received any links to any assessments online. Is this normal? Also, what can I expect from an assessment day? Thanks in advance.

 

[Milink]

Lots of information already on here about assessments just search.

It is possible that you just get invited in without doing any prior online testing.